Inductive displacement sensor range expanded.

Inductive displacement sensors from HPK (Hottinger Brüel & Kjær) are now available with IO-Link or traditional industrial interfaces As industrial monitoring, quality assurance, production and assembly processes become increasingly connected, engineers need measurement solutions that can integrate easily into modern automation environments - while maintaining flexibility for existing systems.

To address this (HBK) has expanded the interface options available for its proven WI and WA inductive displacement sensor series, introducing models with an IO-Link interface, alongside existing industrial interface options.

These sensors have long been used successfully in monitoring, quality assurance, production and assembly applications – and in civil engineering.

The Miniature displacement sensors WI with measurement ranges from 2 mm to 10 mm are exceptionally compact, featuring an outer diameter of only 8 mm.

The WA series offers a wide variety of configurations, enabling adaptation to any measurement task. This includes pressure-resistant versions, probe-type sensors, loose plungers and several cable outlet options suited for different mechanical environments. The loose plunger variants are available with measuring ranges of up to 500 mm.

HBK’s three new inline amplifier modules come with 0–10 V, 4–20 mA, or IO-Link outputs. These amplifiers improve linearity to just 0.1% and provide fully calibrated measurement chains. The digital IO-Link versions transmit measurement values in millimeters immediately once connected to an IO-Link master. The versions with IO-Link interface featuring Bessel- or Butterworth filters and calibration results can be stored directly within the sensor if required.

The company’s passive sensor models will still supplied, without any restrictions.

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@HBMmeasurement @BruelKjaerUK #PAuto #TandM

Power solutions leader acquired.

TE Connectivity plc has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Astrodyne TDI, a leading provider of advanced power management and filter solutions for mission-critical industrial applications, from Tinicum L.P. This acquisition represents another deliberate step in TE's disciplined long-term strategy to build a differentiated portfolio of highly engineered technologies benefiting from secular growth trends.

Headquartered in Hackettstown, New Jersey, and with manufacturing operations in North America, China and Southeast Asia, Astrodyne TDI has a proven track record of solving complex power electronics challenges. The company is recognised for its deep engineering expertise and close collaboration with customers developing next-generation technologies across semiconductor manufacturing equipment, medical, and industrial applications.

“Automation, electrification, and digitalisation trends across industries drive the need for advanced power electronics in our customers’ applications. Astrodyne TDI’s expertise in custom-engineered power supplies and filter solutions complements our product portfolio, strengthens our ability to solve increasingly complex technical challenges and deepens our partnership with our customers in many fast-growing market segments,” said Carlo Ghirardo, SVP & GM of TE’s Industrial Automation and Electrification business unit. “We’re proud to partner with a company and team that is widely recognised for engineering excellence, product performance, reliability, and commitment to innovation. We look forward to welcoming the team to TE.”

“The agreement announced today with TE Connectivity represents an exciting opportunity and a bright future for our company, our customers and our team,” said Chris Viola, CEO of Astrodyne TDI. “Our legacy of exceptional engineering and highly reliable power electronics is a testament to our team and the great work we’ve done in our nearly 70 years in business. TE Connectivity’s global scale, manufacturing footprint, and R&D resources will enable us to accelerate product innovation and better support our customers' increasingly complex system architectures.”

“We are excited for Astrodyne TDI to join TE Connectivity, where the business will receive the support necessary to continue scaling its engineering and operational resources to better serve customers,” said Jeffrey Ernsting, Partner at Tinicum. “We will miss working with Astrodyne TDI’s incredibly capable and dedicated team, and we wish them all the best as they join TE Connectivity.”

The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions. Upon closing, Astrodyne TDI will continue to operate under its current leadership team and become part of TE’s Automation & Connected Living sector. Citi is serving as financial advisor and Davis Polk is serving as legal advisor to TE Connectivity on this transaction. William Blair & Company and Houlihan Lokey are serving as financial advisors and Goodwin is serving as legal advisor to Tinicum and Astrodyne TDI.

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@TEConnectivity @Astrodyne @ttiinc #PAuto #TandM #Connector

Air quality tracker.

ATMO, a developer of portable and stationary air quality monitoring solutions, has integrated multiple Sensirion sensing solutions into their new portable air quality tracker Atmotube PRO 2. Designed for everyday air quality awareness, Atmotube PRO 2 provides real-time monitoring of CO₂, particulate matter, VOCs, NOx, temperature, and humidity in a compact device with up to 12 days of battery life.

Whether at home, at work, while traveling, or outdoors, the device helps users better understand the air they breathe throughout the day, now enriched with GPS for autonomous air quality measurement mapping.

The device features several Sensirion products:

• STCC4 CO₂ sensor for accurate carbon dioxide monitoring with manual and automatic calibration
• SGP41 VOC and NOx sensor for advanced indoor air quality insights
• SPS30 particulate matter sensor for reliable PM1, PM2.5, and PM10 measurements
• SHT40 temperature and humidity sensor for precise environmental monitoring

The sensors provide highly accurate and reliable measurements while enabling compact integration and low power consumption for portable, real-time monitoring.

“We have used Sensirion sensors in several generations of our products - we find them to be the optimal combination of accuracy, long term stability and small footprint, which makes it possible to integrate them into wearable / portable devices, just like our Atmotube PRO series” says Alex Pyshkin, R&D Director at ATMO.

This collaboration enables portable environmental monitoring that makes invisible air quality conditions visible in everyday life. By providing real-time insights into pollution exposure and indoor air conditions, Atmotube PRO2 helps users make healthier decisions and promotes greater awareness of how the air they breathe impacts wellbeing, focus, recovery, and overall health.

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@sensirion @atmotube #Environment #AirQuality

Contact image sensor series expansion.

Teledyne DALSA has expanded its AxCIS™ family of high-speed, high-resolution, fully integrated line scan imaging modules, now available in resolutions up to 1,800 dpi and lengths of up to 1,500 mm. These easy-to-use Contact Image Sensors (CIS) integrate sensors, lenses, and lighting into a single compact unit, offering a cost-effective inspection system for many demanding machine vision applications, including semiconductor wafer, battery, and print inspection.

Powered by Teledyne’s multiline CMOS image sensors, AxCIS delivers exceptional image quality with monochrome line rates of up to 80 kHz at a 14 µm pixel size, or resolutions up to 1,800 dpi. For color inspection, it outputs a native RGB 3-line rate of up to 60 kHz, at a 28 µm pixel size or 900 dpi resolution, so that flaws can be identified with unprecedented precision. AxCIS also offers a unique high dynamic range (HDR) capability to further improve defect detectability. Its unique sensor design covers the entire field of view without missing pixels, providing a 100% seamless image without interpolation, and the telecentric lens supports true metrology applications.

AxCIS has been designed for scalability across various fields of view using a single 24V power supply. With a small form factor and an IP60 dust proof optical path, AxCIS provides the flexibility to fit into systems with limited vertical clearance. Its SFP+ fibreoptic interface delivers high throughput data over standard low-cost, long-length cables with immunity to EMI radiation for harsh industrial environments.

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@TeledyneDALSA  #PAuto

Coolant temperature sensors.

Amphenol Coolant Temperature Sensors (CTS) are now available from Inelco Hunter. The sensors are lightweight with a compact design, offering IP67 ingress protection and fast response times. Applications will include the monitoring of battery coolant, HVAC refrigerant, gear box oil, inverter coolant, fuel cells etc.

The Coolant Temperature Sensors are USCAR compliant, offered in either a zinc-plated or 1 316L stainless-steel housing. The operating temperature is -40°C to 100°C and the response time is 5 seconds within a range of 25°C to 85°C in water. The resistance at 25°C is 2,828Ω ± 1.3% and the temperature accuracy is ± 0.3°C.

The connector material is PBT-GF15 and the O-ring material is HNBR. The connector is USCAR 064 Sealed (IP67) per USCAR 064-S-002-1-A02. The overall length is 48mm with a 12mm screw thread. Mating connectors are Molex 3140X-2100 or Aptiv 54390239.

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@InelcoHunter @amphenol #PAuto

Glass inspection.

Introducing a new model featuring 3D scanning for highly reflective surfaces.

Marking SmartRay’s latest breakthrough in inline metrology, the new ECCO X 050G sensor combines the exceptional resolution, speed, and compact design characteristic of the premium ECCO X family with the additional capability to measure shiny, reflective, and transparent surfaces such as glass.

The ECCO X 050G incorporates SmartRay’s G-series glass-scanning designation, bringing the full benefits of fast, high-resolution, high-precision automated optical inspection and superior 3D data quality to an even wider range of processes. Applications that will benefit from the breakthrough scanning capabilities of the latest addition to the ECCO X range include manufacturers of: 

• Mobile phones
• Semiconductors
• Camera and eyewear lenses
• Windscreens and windows

Their current ECCO X sensor line-up offers advanced inline metrology solutions for accurate inspection and precise measurement, supporting individual applications across multiple demanding industries, including electronics, home appliance, automotive, and semiconductor manufacturing.

Further expanding the ECCO X range and building on the legacy of the established ECCO X 025 and ECCO X 100 models, the ECCO X 050G ensures SmartRay’s innovative 3D technology is a versatile and viable option for more manufacturing companies seeking to improve product quality, guide automation, and reduce production costs.

The ECCO X 050G is the smallest in its class and is designed to meet the highest inspection demands, offering the speed, resolution, and compact form factor synonymous with all ECCO X models.

The new SmartRay sensor features a typical vertical resolution of 2.2–2.9 µm and a lateral resolution of 11–13 µm. It provides 4,096 points per 3D profile and a typical scan rate of up to 40 kHz, delivering up to 163 million points per second.

Key specifications:

• Scan rate: up to 40 kHz
• Vertical resolution: 2.2–2.9 µm
• Lateral resolution: 11–13 µm
• 4,096 points per 3D profile
• Measurement range: 15 mm
• Stand-off distance: 32.7 mm
• Laser wavelength: 450 nm (brilliant blue laser)
• Input voltage: 24 VDC
• Dimensions with adapter: 94 × 156 × 170 mm
• Dimensions without adapter: 94 × 145 × 156 mm
• Weight: 1,200 g

The ECCO X 050G provides a Gigabit Ethernet (1 Gbit/s) interface, a quadrature encoder interface (AB channel, RS-422), and two inputs and two outputs to support a range of start and data triggering options.

Clare Rathsack, Business Unit Manager – ECCO Sensors (picture right), said: “SmartRay continues to break new ground in inline metrology by developing technologies and products designed to solve the challenges of specific industrial applications. With the ECCO X 050G, SmartRay combines the significant benefits and innovations of the ECCO X family with the 3D glass-scanning capabilities showcased in the ECCO 95.015G and ECCO 95.025G. This 3D sensor answers the demand for a high-accuracy, high-resolution, high-speed scanning solution suitable for processes requiring the inspection of flat glass and specular, highly reflective surfaces.
“The development of the latest ECCO X model demonstrates our commitment to delivering next-generation solutions that provide 3D laser scanning for applications where traditional 3D laser triangulation was previously not viable. We will continue to unlock new opportunities for companies to capitalise on 3D sensors for accurate, repeatable inspection and precise measurement in inline metrology, helping to optimise quality and minimise costs in electronics production processes.”

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@SmartRay3D #TandM #Manufacturing

Distance Measurement using Ai.

A neural network trained on real production data minimizes surface-related deviations, improving sensor precision for demanding industrial environments.

Leuze uses artificial intelligence (Ai) to significantly improve the measurement accuracy of optical distance sensors for challenging industrial applications. This innovation improves measurement accuracy without the need for additional computing resources during operation. The solution is based on a neural network.

Object surfaces as challenges.
Optical distance sensors with time-of-flight technology (TOF) offer practical benefits. The sensors enable fast, contactless measurement of large distances, are insensitive to ambient light and provide continuous distance data in real time. The sensor’s operating principle measure distances by recording the time it takes for emitted light to travel to the object and back. Laser or LED pulses are generally used for this purpose. However, time-of-flight technology also has limitations in measurement accuracy: How precise the results are depends heavily on the nature of the object surface. Dark surfaces can weaken the reflected signal. They generate narrower pulses and the echo is detected later. Bright surfaces, on the other hand, generate stronger signals with a wider pulse width that are detected earlier. That means the returning signal is detected at different times depending on whether the object’s surface is light or dark. This can cause measurement errors that must be compensated for.

Benefits at a glance:
• Fewer measurement errors – delivering significantly more precise results
• Flexible use with different sensor types and surfaces
• Learns better from real data, even with strongly oscillating 3D curve characteristics
• No additional computing load during operation
• Future-proof thanks to modern Ai

Polynomial function: Limited flexibility.
Until now, mathematical models based on defined algorithms have been used to correct these errors. A correction value is calculated for many different surfaces and distances, which is later applied automatically. This calculation is based on a so-called polynomial function. Polynomial functions offer an efficient solution for stable, continuous error curves. One disadvantage, however, is the limited imaging accuracy in the case of complex factors, such as strongly varying surface reflections. As the model parameters are fixed, the functions cannot automatically adapt to changing environmental conditions.

Neural network for correction value calculations.
Leuze have a much more precise and flexible solution. Instead of working with rigid formulas, Leuze uses a neural network to determine the correction value. A neural network is a form of artificial intelligence that is modeled on the human brain. It consists of nodes (neurons) in three types of layers: the input layer, hidden layers and the output layer. The neural network processes information by passing input data step through these one layer at a time. The neurons weigh their results, summarize them and convert them using functions so that a precise result is produced at the end. A so-called activation function decides how strongly a neuron becomes ‘active’, i.e. what value it passes on to the next layer. This activation function enables the network to learn even complex, non-linear relationships and is not limited to simple calculation patterns.

Learning from real data.
The Ai solution developed by Leuze uses sample data to learn how brightness and surface texture affect the optical distance sensor’s measurements. This makes it much easier to correct the measured values. The neural network is trained with data consisting of raw distance values and pulse widths as input parameters as well as the corresponding standardized correction values at the output. The training data can be generated from the production process, in which many measured values are collected: for light, dark and differently textured surfaces as well as for different distances. These measured values are communicated to the production facility’s control system. From this, the production facility’s neural network calculates the correction values for the sensor. The sensor then requires no additional computing power during operation – the Ai has already ‘learned’ everything.

Five steps for precise values.
The Leuze neural network consists of five layers. In each layer, all neurons are fully connected to each other. This means that all information flows into the calculation. A so-called ReLU activation function is used: ReLU stands for ‘Rectified Linear Unit’. This ensures that the network sets negative counters to zero and only processes positive values – similar to a filter that only lets positive signals through, making the learning process stable and reliable. This has two advantages: Firstly, the network works faster, and secondly, it avoids the computing problems that can occur with other methods. The last layer of the network – the output layer – determines the final correction value. Here, ‘tanh’ (hyperbolic tangent) is used as the activation function. This ensures that the calculated correction value is always within a defined range between -1 and +1. The system then converts this value so that it directly indicates how much the sensor must correct the measured distance in order to deliver precise results. Calibrated to Leuze sensors.

Time-of-flight distance sensors with Ai-based correction are particularly useful in industrial automation where precise measurement results are essential.
Typical applications include:

• Navigation and collision avoidance: On robots and mobile platforms
• Materials handling: Checking positions and distances on conveyor belts
• Quality assurance: Checking distances on workpieces with difficult surfaces
• Automated guided vehicle systems (AGVs): Precise distance control when parking and maneuvering
• Safety applications: Detection of proximity to machines and systems

Summary
The precision of optical distance sensors has been raised to a new level with artificial intelligence. Tests have shown that the method's AI-based calibration reduces systematic measurement errors, i.e. the dependence of measurement results on surface and distance, by more than half. Customers benefit from more robust and accurate measurements without any effort during operation, even with difficult surfaces. This makes it the ideal solution for challenging industrial applications.

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@LeuzeUK @LeuzeUSA @mepaxIntPR #PAuto 

Groundbreaking for new production building.

Sensirion held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new production building in Stäfa (CH) on in October 2025. The modern production facility, featuring highly classified cleanrooms for the semiconductor industry, will be built on Laubisrütistrasse over the next two and a half years. This project, together with the acquisition of land at Moritzberg for an additional office building, underscores the long- term commitment of the sensor manufacturer to its Stäfa site and secures more than 800 jobs in the region.

Their existing production building at full capacity and cannot accommodate any additional production facilities. To ensure reliable and on-time delivery in the future, Sensirion is therefore creating the capacity it needs for further growth, technological development and greater production reliability with the new building. As a systemically important supplier with long-term customer contracts, Sensirion has an obligation to guarantee maximum security of supply. Some key customers also require a redundant production site.

The new production building will also require the construction of a new office building for workstations, as additional engineers will be needed to handle the gradual expansion of production facilitated by the new building. This is why the property at Moritzberg was purchased. It will provide the space for the high-tech core processes, including their development and production, at the headquarters in Stäfa.

Sustainable building technology.
The new production building F will be integrated into the site map of all Sensirion buildings at the Stäfa site. Covering an area of 11,000 m2, it will house, in addition to high-tech cleanrooms, a logistics area with delivery facilities, technical rooms and parking spaces on two underground levels. It is right by and connected via walkway to the main building A at Laubisrütistrasse 50, which houses the reception, the canteen with roof terrace, and office and laboratory spaces.

The building will meet the Minergie P sustainability standard. The materials used in the building and its construction will also comply with the DGNB (German Sustainable Building Council) Gold certification standard. The surrounding area, including by the bus stop, will be upgraded with a tree-lined avenue along Laubsrütistrasse and a fountain.

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@sensirion #PAuto

Accelerating innovation by acquisition.

Kongsberg Discovery's capabilities for the detection and interpretation of complex underwater environments is being strengthened by expanding their product portfolio with electromagnetic sensors.

Kongsberg Discovery has reached an agreement with Argeo’s bankruptcy estate to purchase three core technologies: The Argeo Whisper, Argeo Listen and Argeo Scope. The sensors and software solutions, in addition to highly skilled personnel, will be integrated into Kongsberg Discovery.

President Martin Wien Fjell of Kongsberg Discovery describes the acquired technology as highly strategic., “The technologies, named Argeo Whisper and Argeo Listen, expand our sensor portfolio with active and passive electromagnetic sensing capabilities, strengthening our ability to detect and interpret complex underwater environments. In addition, the Argeo Scope will enhance our Blue Insight analytics platform, providing a comprehensive solution for automated dataflow and ocean data visualisation”.

Executive Vice President Audun Berg of Ocean Technologies, a division in Kongsberg Discovery, is eager to access valuable software, hardware, and highly skilled personnel. “We are pleased to continue developing and integrating the technology and expertise into Kongsberg Discovery. This will allow us to develop new products and solutions together. We will soon be able to deliver value-added solutions to all Hugin customers and continue to expand our offerings to other platforms, such as ROVs, drones, and towed vehicles.” 

The transfer of IP, software, hardware, and other assets is underway. In addition to a team of highly skilled personnel, which will soon join Kongsberg Discovery. “Their experience, knowledge, and competence will advance us significantly, and I look forward to bringing the technology to our customers,” he continued.

Argeo has developed a comprehensive software solution for automatic collection, processing and visualisation of sensor data from autonomous platforms. “These solutions will be integrated with Blue Insight, Kongsberg Discovery’s digital solution for accurate information from the oceans, focusing on internet security and seamless integration,” he says.

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@kongsbergasa #Argeo #PAuto #Marine

Carbon Dioxide sensors at Biennale Venezia!

Some of its leading-edge carbon dioxide sensors  have been donated by Vaisala to the team responsible for creating a thought-provoking and inspirational exhibit at this year’s Biennale Architettura in Venice, Italy. One of the key aspirations for the project is to use trees to create an agreeable indoor climate.

Commissioned by the Flanders Architecture Institute and curated by landscape architect Bas Smets, the Belgian Pavilion will this year feature an exhibition titled ‘Building Biospheres’. 

“Climate change and the recent crises that we have faced, are forcing us to rethink the relationship between architecture and nature,” Smets explains. “Historically and traditionally, architecture has isolated itself from the natural world, recreating an indoor climate with heating, ventilation and mechanical tools. As humans we prefer the conditions of a sub-tropical climate, so our project will investigate and demonstrate what happens when sub-tropical plants such as the camphor tree are used to manage the indoor environment.”

With its inception in 1895, La Biennale di Venezia is one of the longest-running cultural festivals in the world, and now features around 30 permanent pavilions established by different countries. In 2025, the goal of the Biennale Architettura will be to eliminate waste, recycle and circulate materials, and regenerate natural systems to demonstrate that the built environment can coexist harmoniously with the natural environment.

In November 2024, a prototype of the ‘Building Biospheres’ exhibit was built at the Faculty of Bioscience Engineering at Ghent University, where Professor Kathy Steppe and her team established a greenhouse facility in which sub-tropical trees are closely monitored with TreeWatch technology. Prior to the beginning of the Biennale Architettura, all of the plants and associated monitoring infrastructure were transported to Venice and re-established within the Belgian Pavilion. Four of the key environmental measurements are light, temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide because these are the factors with greatest influence on indoor human comfort and well-being.

Explaining the potential for utilising plants to manage indoor environments, Prof. Steppe says: “In order to maintain optimal conditions inside buildings, it is usually necessary to implement some form of heating, ventilation and/or air conditioning, but this can be very costly, both financially and from a carbon footprint perspective.” Comparing and contrasting the built and natural environments, she continues, “Plants actively interact with and help regulate their local climate through processes such as photosynthesis and transpiration. This means, for example, that the CO₂ produced by humans, other organisms and natural processes can be taken up by plants during photosynthesis, helping to prevent excessive indoor CO₂ build-up.”

As a greenhouse gas, CO₂ levels in the atmosphere are having an impact on climate change. Indoors, CO₂affects the comfort and performance of the people inside a building. Occupied spaces with good air exchange may contain 450-1,000 ppm CO₂ , but anything above this can induce drowsiness. Levels above 2,000 ppm CO₂ cause headaches, sleepiness, poor concentration, loss of attention, increased heart rate and slight nausea. Exposure to very high levels (from oil/gas burners or gas leaks for example) can even result in fatalities from asphyxiation.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the operations of buildings account for 30% of global final energy consumption and 26% of global energy-related emissions (8% being direct emissions in buildings and 18% indirect emissions from the production of electricity and heat used in buildings). The climate crisis is therefore challenging all sectors, and the building industry in particular, to find ways to lower greenhouse gas emissions. ‘Building Biospheres’ therefore seeks to investigate the opportunities presented by the integration of plants into indoor environmental management, and to engage with the architecture and building design community, to challenge traditional approaches to building design and operation.

The ‘Building Biospheres’ exhibit will serve as a living laboratory, exploring the ways in which plants can be used to complement traditional energy-intensive building management technologies. Vaisala’s CO₂ sensors have therefore been deployed at different locations throughout the exhibit: one outdoors, one in the entrance hall of the pavilion and one within the plant canopy in the ‘Building Biospheres’ room, to monitor how effectively the plants help regulate indoor CO₂levels.

This year, visitors to the Belgian Pavilion of the Biennale Architettura will be able to view live data from the ‘Building Biospheres’ exhibit. “This is one of the most prestigious architectural events in the world,” Prof. Steppe adds. “So, it represents a fantastic opportunity to inspire building designers from around the globe. The most obvious applications – you could call them the lowest hanging fruit! – are large buildings such as train stations and airports.”

The objectives of the Biennale Architettura 2025 align with Vaisala’s sustainability objectives, including the company’s core purpose, which it describes as: taking every measure for the planet. “We were delighted to be invited to participate in this highly respected event,” comments Vaisala’s Pekka Ravila, Vice President, Industrial Measurements EMEA. “Not just because it highlights the performance of our CO₂sensors, but mostly because this represents a very exciting opportunity to help create a paradigm shift in the way that buildings are designed and managed. If we can achieve that, the potential beneficial impacts on climate change will be enormous.”

Summarising, Prof. Steppe says: "If we are to convince building designers to incorporate plants into their design, it is essential that we are able to supply them with data to support our ideas. Vaisala’s carbon dioxide sensors are therefore playing a vital role in helping us to demonstrate how plants are able to help regulate indoor CO₂levels naturally, without the need for a heavy carbon footprint, and with the added benefit that the plants look great!”

Real-time data display at Biennale.  (Pic:Dirk De Pauw, Plant AnalytiX)

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@VaisalaGroup @GlobalGoalsUN  @la_Biennale @_Enviro_News #Environment #Italy #Belgium

Ai-driven sensor technology co-operation.

Sensirion has announced a collaboration with Sintropy.ai, a dynamic start-up focused on automation and Ai-driven solutions. Facilitated by Repcom, a leading distributor in Italy, this partnership is set to redefine data collection and automation capabilities across various industries.

Born of the R&D engineering expertise at Centri Medici Santagostino in Milan (I), Sintropy.ai is dedicated to leveraging high-quality data for advanced automation and AI applications. In an era dominated by SaaS solutions, Sintropy.ai stands out by emphasising that the true foundation of robust AI ecosystems lies not just in software, but in the quality of the data itself. To produce such high-value data, the company recognizes the importance of using reliable, versatile, and precise sensors making them essential components in building effective, scalable, and intelligent automation solutions.

After extensive research and testing of various sensor brands and chips, Sintropy.ai identified Sensirion as the optimal choice for its innovative solutions. The decision was driven by Sensirion’s exceptional quality, data stability, and reliability. It was through Repcom, an Italian distributor that Sintropy.ai discovered Sensirion and it was an instant match.

At Sintropy.ai, hardware is more than just a component; it’s the gateway to enabling innovative technology. Many companies face barriers to adopting smart solutions due to high costs and complexity. By integrating high-quality Sensirion sensors into competitively priced devices, Sintropy.ai delivers powerful tools that connect effortlessly to cloud and on-premises systems. Backed by a robust multinodal backend and the EOS platform, these solutions enable real-time data collection, automation, and enhanced operational efficiency, making advanced technology more accessible and practical for businesses of all sizes.

"At Sintropy.ai, we believe that high-quality data is the foundation for automation and AI-driven ecosystems. Sensirion's sensors offer the accuracy and reliability we need to power our innovative solutions," said Andrea Codini, CEO and Co-Founder at Sintropy.ai

During the design phase, Sintropy.ai benefited from the interchangeability of Sensirion's chips, allowing easy transitions between different humidity and temperature sensors while maintaining board compatibility. Notably, Sensirion's SCD41 (CO2 sensor), SEN55 (environmental sensor node for PM, RH/T, VOC, NOx measurements), and SPS30 (PM 2.5 sensor) sensors played a crucial role in enabling new levels of precision and efficiency in Sintropy.ai’s products.

Key product IR Blaster.
Designed to combine data collection and automation, the IR Blaster integrates Sensirion's SHT4X sensor for temperature and humidity measurement, the SCD41 for CO2 monitoring, and a lux sensor. Additionally, it features an IR control that enables seamless management of fan coils or HVAC units without requiring wiring modifications. When mounted on a wall, it measures environmental conditions, transmits data, and automates air quality adjustments, optimizing indoor environments for comfort and efficiency.

Key product Quark Tag.
Bringing Sensirion's SHT4X sensor to a portable format, the Quark Tag is a BLE device powered by the INPLAY IN100 chip. Engineered for ultra-low power consumption, it ensures years of reliable operation while providing accurate temperature and humidity data. Enhanced with an IMU and lux sensor, the Quark Tag offers advanced environmental monitoring in a compact, energy-efficient design making it ideal for real-time environmental monitoring.

The collaboration between Sensirion, Sintropy.ai, and Repcom represents a significant step forward in making AI-powered automation more accessible and efficient. By integrating Sensirion’s cutting-edge components into innovative products, Sintropy.ai enables businesses to access smart solutions that are affordable, scalable, and easy to implement. This partnership underscores a shared commitment to excellence, innovation, and the transformative power of data-driven automation.

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@sensirion #PAuto #sintropy_ai #repcom  #PAuto #Environment

Current sensors range completed.

Two new members to LEM's IN family of current sensors, suitable for a range of demanding systems in the medical, test and measurement, energy metering and power sectors have been introduced. The IN 1500-S current sensor is specifically designed for high performance and precision in 1500A nominal current applications, while the IN 1000-SHF current sensor is suitable for applications requiring very wide bandwidth. The new products are the latest additions to the highly successful IN family of high-precision sensors, known for their high reliability in applications such as MRI, calibration units, power meters, and energy measurement.

“Our high-precision range of current sensors is a flagship of unparalleled expertise in electrical measurement - no competitor has the same range, with the same performances,” said Marco Locatelli, Global Product Manager for smart grid and high precision at LEM. “The IN 1500-S offers all the advantages of the IN family for 1500A nominal current applications, such as high accuracy and low noise, while IN 1000-SHF is our champion for high bandwidth.”

With IN 1500-S, the IN family for current sensing now boasts eight devices, and it is LEM’s most advanced high-precision range of current sensors yet, underpinned by LEM’s closed-loop current transducers that use a highly-accurate zero-flux detectors based on LEM’s fluxgate technology. The current sensors achieve ultra-high precision current measurements for DC, AC and pulsed currents.

Using fluxgate technology in transducers for precise current measurement is not new; however, it has limitations linked to a ripple that stems from the excitation voltage. LEM’s innovation takes fluxgate current transducers to previously unachieved performance levels through digital technology, gaining not only a major reduction of the ripple from the fluxgate driving signal but significantly improving the device’s immunity to temperature effects, interference and supply voltage variation. In addition, LEM has used FPGAs for faster start-up, and the devices are also UL/UR certified for the Americas.

The IN family already boasts the IN 100-S, IN 200-S, IN 400-S, IN 500-S, IN 1000-S, IN 1200-S and IN 2000-S devices, for nominal currents of 100A, 200A, 400A, 500A, 1000A, 1200A and 2000A, respectively. Part IN 1500-S for 1500A now completes the lineup. All of them have a D-Sub 9-pin male interface connector, and large apertures for various sizes of cables and busbars. Their metal housing improves immunity to external interference and improves power dissipation. A status signal indicates the transducer’s state and an LED indicator confirms normal operation.

Their other main characteristics, including that of the new IN 1500-S device, are:

• Best-in-class accuracy, with excellent linearity (to ±0.0002%) and minimum electrical offset;
• Broad frequency bandwidth: up to 2MHz @ ±3dB;
• Overcurrent and protection embedded in the design;
• Extended operating temperature range, between -40°C and +85°C, except IN 1500-S which operates between -40°C and +50°C;
• Extremely high stability: up to 0.1ppm/month.

The second device LEM is launching now is the IN 1000-SHF, bringing a breakthrough in current measurement. IN 1000-SHF pushes the bandwidth to 2.5MHz (at ±3dB), with a delay time of just under 1ns (at 10% of nominal current) – that’s a thousand times quicker than the IN 1000-S model and over five times the bandwidth. Electrical offset is improved by a factor of two, to ±5ppm at +25°C, temperature drift by a factor of three, to ±0.1ppm/K over its full operating temperature range, and the peak-to-peak noise level is under 0.218ppm – more than 82 times better than the standard IN 1000-S model. Current output is 1A at Ip = 1000A.

Its operating temperature range is -40°C to +85°C, and like with the IN 1500-S, an external LED shows its normal operation and there’s an additional output to show the state of the transducer. It is offered in a compact package, suitable for flat or vertical panel mounting.

With these characteristics, and its extreme accuracy, this makes in IN 1000-SHF a unique offering on the market.

All LEM IN devices are suitable for a wide range of industrial, laboratory and medical applications, which require high-precision sensors, including:

• Feedback elements in high-performance gradient amplifiers for MRI;
• Feedback elements in high-precision, high-stability power supplies, in power analysers and oscilloscopes;
• Calibration units;
• Energy measurement;
• Feedback element for power meters (e.g. EV test benches) and T&M equipment; and
• Medical equipment like various scanners.

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@LEM_Inc @NapierPR #TandM #Electrical

Sensors for hygiene-sensitive production and demanding industrial cleaning processes.

Two new sensors from Leuze are being launched in stainless-steel housings: Series 33C in hygienic design and Series 35C in robust wash-down design. They are suitable for hygiene-sensitive production and packaging processes.

Hygiene-sensitive production and packaging processes place high requirements on sensor technology. Devices must be robust, reliable and approved for direct food contact. With two new sensor series from Leuze in stainless-steel housings, manufacturers can play it safe: Thanks to its smooth housing with no mounting holes, Series 33C is particularly suitable for applications in the food, beverage or pharmaceutical industry – even in production areas with unpackaged products. The 35C series is designed for robustness. It is ideal for high mechanical loads and intensive cleaning processes. The 35C series sensors are versatile can be used in the food industry as well as the automotive industry or machine tools.

Solutions for packaging processes.
The two series each include diffuse, through-beam and retro-reflective photoelectric sensors. The 33C and 35C series range also includes special solutions for packaging processes. These include retro-reflective photoelectric sensors for glass and PET detection, sensors with background suppression for detecting small objects, dynamic reference sensors, and powerful through-beam photoelectric sensors for penetrating through plastic films. The new 33C and 35C series’ small housing size complements the 53C and 55C series’ stainless-steel miniature sensors.

The requirements for sensors installed above open foodstuffs are very high. Only components authorized for contact with food may be used. The 35C series’ DRT35C dynamic reference diffuse sensor with its stainless-steel housing is the ideal choice for this. The sensor system does not need to be additionally enclosed.

The new 33C and 35C series offer sensors with Power PinPoint LED for the first time. This light technology means the sensors can be aligned and set up quickly and easily. This is achieved thanks to a bright, round and homogeneous light spot. The size, shape and homogeneity of the light spot remain constant throughout the entire working range. Laser or infrared devices can also be used as an alternative to the Power PinPoint LED.

Completely sealed.
In harsh environments it is often necessary to protect plastic bodied sensors with complex, specially manufactured and costly stainless-steel protective covers. Only then can they withstand the high-pressure cleaning regimes. This is not necessary with the 33C and 35C series’ stainless-steel sensors hence this reduces the system’s complexity, lowers installation time and thus reduces costs. The devices are designed for reliable operation in wet areas and during intensive cleaning processes and have Protection Classes such as IP67, IP68 and IP69K as well as ECOLAB, CleanProof+ and Diversey certifications

The 33C series’ PRK33C.PPTT3 retro-reflective photoelectric sensor is suitable for detecting transparent bottles in an aseptic filling line. The hygienic design avoids any residue buildup thanks to its particularly smooth housing with no fixing holes. The sensor is also attached gas-tight using a mounting spigot.

Another advantage: Both series are equipped with IO-Link interface. This enables quick and easy configuration of the devices as well as diagnostic data that can be used to plan predictive maintenance.

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@LeuzeUK @LeuzeUSA @mepaxIntPR #PAuto

Subminiature photoelectric sensors.

Advanced design features and can be installed in tight spaces, overcoming the limitations of more costly technologies.

IDEC Corporation is expanding its already extensive photoelectric (PE) sensor portfolio with the new SA1N series of space-saving subminiature PE sensors. The SA1N series provides high accuracy and performance, and it is available in compact barrel and block form factors.

(not to scale)

Smaller and superior sensing.
For industrial equipment, the intersecting trends of increasing automation and reduced installation space mean that designers need compact and high-performance technologies for discrete sensing applications. General-purpose sensors simply don’t fit, and other technologies such as fiber optic devices are more costly and require separate amplifiers which complicate installation requirements. Even as acceptable form factors shrink, there remains an escalating need for better accuracy, detection distances, and response times.

To meet these needs, IDEC has added the SA1N series of subminiature PE sensors to its product lineup. The SA1N sensors are available in two versions:

• A barrel-mount fiber-type diffuse-reflective infrared LED style, secured with M6 nuts through a mounting hole
• A block-type convergent-reflective red LED style, secured with two mounting holes located at a 14mm pitch

Both versions are all-in-one devices with built-in amplifiers and sensitivity adjustment control. The barrel-mount version has a 3 to 50mm sensing range, while the block-type can detect over a 5 to 30mm sensing range. Both models are available in NPN or PNP light-on configurations, and both provide a rapid 0.5msec maximum response time.

The sensors each come with flexible 2-meter pigtail wiring, functioning at standard 24VDC with minimal current draw. They operate over a wide -25 to +55DegC temperature range. The barrel-mount version uses a stainless-steel housing and plastic encapsulation to achieve an IP67 rating, while the block-type is rated at IP64.

Effective detection for more applications.
Many types of production line equipment and manufacturing machinery—ranging across industries as varied as medical, food & beverage, and more—require positive presence detection of machine components and positioning/counting of products. The SA1N series of subminiature PE sensors will fit into the limited space available for these types of applications, and it offers a favorable price/performance ratio compared with other more esoteric technology options. The IDEC SA1N series of subminiature PE sensors are part of a much larger sensing solutions portfolio, providing flexible design options for a wide variety of applications. As with all its products, IDEC offers free tech support for the SA1N, with no service or support contract required.

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@IDECUSA #PAuto 

Inductive at high speeds.

Distance Sensor with IO-Link Interface for Precise Measurement and In-Depth Analysis

Measuring inductive distance sensors featuring IO-Link interface have been launched by Pepperl+Fuchs. The devices are suitable for Industry 4.0 applications and offer not only high-precision measurement capabilities, but also comprehensive information for condition monitoring and predictive maintenance.

The sensors can detect objects at a speed of up to 3 m/sec and deliver precise measurement data with a repeat accuracy of 5 percent. Their measuring range is up to 30 mm. The sensors determine the speed and acceleration of the damping element. Two independent switching windows and defined limit values can be individually parameterized. Adjustable filters allow the measurement speed and accuracy to be adjusted. The high switching frequency of up to 1300 Hz enables very short throughput times, thereby helping to increase productivity.

Additional data, including temperature and operating times and counters, is transmitted via the IO-Link interface. The monitoring of speed and acceleration and the historical values of these variables allow the detailed analysis of sub-processes such as opening/closing for valves and acceleration/braking for absorbing elements. This monitoring of the machine status facilitates predictive maintenance and prevents unplanned downtimes. 

Devices with analog outputs are also available for classic applications.

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@PepperlFuchsUSA @Cepsa @mepaxIntPR #Pauto #IO

3D sensors for quality inspection and metrology in North America.

SmartRay has expanded its sales and support in North America, bringing its expertise closer to customers in the region, particularly the automotive sector.

Lto R: Erik Schilling, Sales Manager USA & Canada ad Volker Weinmann, Global Sales Manager, JOSY

Based in the Midwest, Erik Schilling, Sales Manager USA & Canada - JOSY, is an expert with a strong focus on SmartRay’s automated weld inspection solution. Located near Detroit, Mr Schilling will be closer to the largest automotive concentration in North America, an industry in which JOSY is the preferred weld inspection solution for leading brands. He will also provide local support to our partner, Abicor Binzel, an international welding solutions specialist.

JOSY offers a turnkey solution for non-contact visual 3D inspection. Providing exceptional quality, accuracy and reliability, JOSY (Joining Systems) meets the precise quality and accuracy demands of automotive production.

Commenting on his new role, Erik Schilling said: “I’m excited to be part of the growing SmartRay team, providing weld inspection solutions for our customers, and to support the sales team in this region. SmartRay’s technology plays a key role in automated weld inspection for automotive manufacturing and being in this location will allow us to be at the forefront of shaping the future of this important and evolving industry.”

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 @SmartRay3D @codacomms #Automotive #Testing #Metrology

Enhanced current sensors for industrial and automotive applications.

Increased performance ideally suited for busbar current sensing in industrial inverters, motor drives, as well as power distribution and charging systems.

Molex has announced the Percept Current Sensors to address the growing demand for highly accurate busbar current sensing solutions in industrial and automotive applications. Percept Current Sensors leverage Infineon’s high-precision coreless current sensors and Molex's proprietary electronics packaging technology to further reduce sensor size and weight while simplifying installation and system integration significantly.

“The new Percept Current Sensors benefit from Infineon’s coreless sensor and our proprietary electronics packaging technology to set new standards for current-sensing accuracy, reliability and integration simplicity,” said Lily Yeung, director, Sensors, Transportation Innovative Solutions, Molex. “Together we can save customers valuable space and optimize product performance, while reducing major design and manufacturing complexities and costs.”

The compact, coreless design and unique electronics packaging of the Percept Current Sensors results in a solution that is 86% lighter and up to half the size of competing current sensors. This enables higher-density packaging within devices, which contributes to reductions in overall system weight while facilitating greater design flexibility.

The Percept Current Sensors offer increased sensing opportunities in space-constrained applications as well as those sensitive to electromagnetic interference (EMI). They also provide accuracy within 2% across a wide temperature range and entire product lifespan, along with low sensitivity and offset errors. Additionally, Infineon’s differential Hall-effect sensor design suppresses noise from stray magnetic fields, which are commonly found in demanding industrial motor-drive and automotive applications.

“Infineon’s XENSIV™ TLE4973 and TLE4972 are part of our family of high precision coreless magnetic current sensors with a measurement range of 0A to 2000A, offering tremendous flexibility for different power ranges. When combined with Infineon’s sensor, Molex’s innovative package creates a small, efficient and robust solution for the automotive and industrial markets,” said Matthias Grewe, vice president and head of Product Line Magnetic Sensing, Infineon Technologies.

Molex’s proprietary electronics packaging technology enables seamless integration of high-current conductors, connectors, Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs), busbars, and heat sinks, among other mechanical components, into a single device. This capability is highly suited for assemblies that must withstand high temperatures, high currents and harsh environments. Percept Current Sensors take advantage of this proprietary packaging method to ensure flexible system integration and boost accuracy from precise chip placement and factory calibration. Pre-calibrated systems not only lead to simpler, streamlined installation, but also can dramatically speed assembly time.

This novel packaging technology uses 99% less water than typical PCB manufacturing and does not require any chemicals or generate copper sludge, enabling a more environmentally friendly manufacturing method. Versatile and configurable design options, including the sensor-in-busbar design, provide customers with a complete package for plug-and-play deployments that do not require excessive development time, resources or cost.

These Sensors are available in industrial- and automotive-grade options, encompassing full-differential and single-ended output modes and bi-directional sensing. Available current ranges include +/-450.0 to +/-1,600.0A; operating temperatures extend from -40 to 125°C in accordance with AEC-Q100 Grade 1 standards. Sensors for industrial applications are slated for October 2024 availability, followed by automotive application product approval process planned for the first half of 2025. Limited engineering samples for industrial applications are available today.

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@MolexConnectors @Infineon @NapierPR #Pauto #Automotive 

Management team at sensor manufacturer.

A new management team of at E+E Elektronik has been announced. Wolfgang Pucher has taken up his position as Technical Managing Director while Min Kim has been responsible for the Market Division in May 2024. This new set-up strengthens the company's management and provides new impulse for future development.

Wolfgang Pucher (top)
and Min Kim

Wolfgang Pucher took over the management of the Technology Division at E+E Elektronik on July 1, 2024. His area of responsibility includes development, production, quality management, calibration laboratory, IT and technical infrastructure. Wolfgang Pucher studied mechanical engineering and completed his doctorate in measurement technology at the Technical University of Graz. In 1997, the 61-year-old joined Dr. Johannes Heidenhain GmbH, where he held numerous management positions in the development of measuring devices and precision machines. As Head of Development, he has many years of experience in development, production, assembly, quality management and marketing.

Min Kim has over 23 years of professional experience, including 15 years in various international management positions. The 52-year-old studied economics and business administration in Germany and built up his initial expertise in particular at the Robert Bosch Group in Asia-Pacific regions. His portfolio also ranges from global sales management to the integration of acquired companies. Since May 1, 2024, Mr. Kim has been responsible for the Market Division at E+E Elektronik. In this role, he is responsible for sales and marketing, product management, purchasing and logistics, human resources and all seven subsidiaries.

They are both two highly experienced managers. A statement from the company said, "Their expertise in their respective fields will contribute to developing E+E Elektronik from a recognized, solid company to an innovative global market leader with pioneering technology. Together, new market opportunities will be developed, and the customer base is to be expanded. In addition, the optimization of development and production processes and the promotion of innovative solutions are on the agenda.""

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• E+E Electronik products are marketed in Ireland through Instrument Technology.

#Epulse #PAuto #Austria

Precise sensor solutions for E-mobility.

Efficient and safe production at BMW Plant.

Leuze sensors perform important tasks in the cell coating line and module production at the BMW Group plant in Leipzig: They reliably detect objects and also meet high requirements, such as the detection of high-gloss surfaces. In addition, safety technology from Leuze ensures seamless safety on machines and systems. The Sensor People thus contribute to efficient processes in the automotive industry and are always on hand to support system operators in the design and implementation of sensor and safety solutions.

The site  produces both combustion engine and electric models in parallel. E-mobility requires high-voltage batteries to supply the BMW Group's electric cars or hybrid vehicles with the necessary drive energy. The automotive group also manufactures these on site. Sensor technology from Leuze makes an important contribution to an efficient and safe production line process, implemented by Schaeffler Special Machinery, the Schaeffler Group’s mechanical engineering company.

It all starts with the cell.
Three successive production steps are required from the first component to the finished high-voltage battery. Only after cell coating, module production and finally assembly is a high-voltage battery ready for use as an electric vehicle’s energy supply. Precision and reliable processes are essential at every step. Leuze supports this with sensor solutions in cell coating and module production. Cell coating is the first step in high-voltage battery production. Each battery module consists of several cells. These are delivered to BMW in large load carriers (GLT). So that the GLTs can be unloaded automatically by robot, a Leuze MLC safety light curtain secures the danger zone to prevent people from entering. Muting ensures that only the GLT can pass through. The robot always unloads 16 cells at the same time and places them on a conveyor belt. Here, horizontally installed, Leuze CSL switching light curtains detect whether the cells are positioned correctly. “The switching light curtains particularly suitable for monitoring large detection fields as they are easy to install, configure and far more cost effective than image-based systems” explains Jürgen Schweiß, KAM-Automotive and Safety Application Specialist at Leuze.

High-gloss surfaces.
Diffuse sensors from Leuze are implemented at different points: “Sensors mounted on the belt detect the presence and correct position of the cells. If they are present and correctly positioned, the process continues,” says Jürgen Schweiß. The advantage of the PRK 25C series sensors used here is that they can detect the high-gloss surface of the cells with absolute reliability and can installed even in confined spaces due to their small physical size. Despite its small size the sensor has an operating range of 16 meters. Another advantage is that the sensors can be easily adjusted for sensitivity and alignment due to their bright light spot.

A compact approach to safety.
Sensor technology from Leuze keeps an eye on every aspect of cell coating: Laser diffuse reflection sensors from the HT46CL series detect the individual cells and control the conveyor – with maximum detection reliability thanks to background suppression. Before the cells are loaded into a GLT, they are discharged through a Leuze MLC safety light curtain. Advantages of Leuze light curtains: They not only score points with their high resolution, protective field height and operating range, as Jürgen Schweiß emphasizes: “With light curtains, a compact design and short safety distances are also important. This allows them to be easily integrated into tight installation situations.”

Perfectly positioned.
Leuze laser diffuse reflection light scanners also monitor the unloading of the cells from a GLT into a module line from Thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering. Each cell also receives a “heat shield” – a protective heat insulation – which is pressed onto the long sides. Robots rotate the cells into the desired position on a circular machine. Sensors from Leuze also provide support here: PRK 25 retro-reflective photoelectric sensors detect the presence of the objects. The heat shield process runs in parallel at two stations in order to achieve a high throughput time.

From stacking to the module.
In “stacking”, as experts call the stacking of several cells to form a battery module, several cells are placed next to each other and a pressure plate is attached to each end. PRK 25C sensors from Leuze detect the height and presence of the cells and recognize whether the tool carriers are closed correctly. Sensors are also used when placing the cell contact system (ZKS) on the module. A machine lifts the entire module so that the coating on the cell base can be checked: “Here, Leuze sensors provide support for height detection and at stop positions” says Schweiß.

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@LeuzeUK @LeuzeUSA @mepaxIntPR #Manufacturing #Germany

Pressure sensors with gel protection.

Gel-protected pressure sensors in SMD housings from AMSYS, are very popular due to their wide range of applications, whether in pneumatics, wearables or medical technology. This inexpensive yet robust design is now also available in a version for relative pressure up to 2 bar.

Media resistant gauge pressure sensors like their MS5547 are used in very different areas, such as in medical technology, but also in e-cigarettes. Both a biocompatible silicone gel and a particularly robust Flour gel are available.

The MS5547 offers maximum accuracy in the range of -200 ... +2200 mbar. The pressure and temperature data can be read out in 24-bit format via I²C or SPI. The 11 correction coefficients stored in the sensor enable external compensation down to an accuracy (TEB) of less than 5 mbar.

The biocompatible plastic housing is sealed with a 2 x 1 mm² O-ring and the overall size of the sensor is only 4 x 4 x 4.4 mm³. The sensor is exposed to atmospheric pressure through a little hole in the ceramic under the sensor.

The sensors are suitable for reflow soldering and are of course RoHS and REACH compliant.

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@PresseBox #AMSYS #Pauto